Indianhead Shepherd's Clinic, Feb. 4

Indianhead Sheep Breeders Association will hold its 18th Annual Shepherd's Clinic and Trade Show on Saturday, Feb. 4th, at the Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College Conference Center in Rice Lake.

The clinic has been an educational, promotional and social event with over 200 in attendance last year.

The all-day event features concurrent educational sessions for beginning to experience shepherds on a wide variety of topics, a trade show, a silent auction, and a beginner and youth program.

In addition, it comes with a roast lamb and baked chicken luncheon program including a live auction, awards and scholarship presentation.

The 2012 keynote speaker will be Dr. Mike Thonney, professor and director of the Cornell Sheep Program. Dr. Thonney will address Accelerated Lambing Systems, Barn versus Pasture Lambing and Formulating Diets for Fermentable Fiber.

Other speakers include the following:

• Pearse Ward, president of the Wisconsin Working Stock Dog Association, will speak about stock dogs.

• Ron Role from the American Sheep Institute (ASI) will be talking about their 2+2+2 Program and wool production.

• Justin Luther, University of Wisconsin-River Falls, will speak about Reproductive Technology.

• Claire Mikolayunas, UW-Madison, will speak about facilities for sheep.

• David Thomas, UW-Madison, addresses the economics of finishing out lambs vs. selling light lambs.

• Sandi Bombard, Goldenrod Web Design, will talk about website and social media usage for your business.

• A producer panel discussion includes Bob Leder, DVM,

• An "Ask a Vet" session features Cindy Wolfe, DVM.

In addition to the advanced educational program, a concurrent youth and beginner session will cover raising a market lamb for the fair, from selection to feeding and showing. All youth attendee's names will be submitted to win a $50 voucher towards an ISBA Spring Sale Lamb.

Preregistration fees are $30 for ISBA members, $45 for non-members and $15 for youth ($45 max youth charge per family). Late registration fee after Jan. 31 and at the door is an additional $10 for adults and $5 for youth. Fees include continental breakfast, refreshments and lunch.

On-line registration is available on the Barron County Extension website: http://barron.uwex.edu/. Download a registration form at http://www.indianheadsheep.com.

For additional information, sponsorship opportunities or trade show reservations, contact Craig Johnson at 715-667-3499.